ASOJAID: CULTURE UNWRAPPED

Asojaid has it: effortless, confidence and flow, style in abundance. Asojaid grew up in Ekiti, Nigeria, as an extrovert, but since finding his feet as a song-writer and artiste he's taken his craft, a blend of talent and hardwork and made them unique. One major breakthrough into the music scene, Asojaid gradually, but somehow remains remarkably unphased, as if success was never in doubt. At the beginning of 2024, Asojaid connected with our founder Pelumi Adeboye to discuss staying true to yourself, even when it feels impossible.

MONDAY 30, 2023. 7PM. LAGOS, NIGERIA

ASOJAID: How you doing?

PELUMI ADEBOYE: I'm good. How you been? 

ASOJAID: I've been cool. 

PELUMI ADEBOYE: You been working? 

ASOJAID: Mm..hmm. I'm in my space. Locked in every single day.

PELUMI ADEBOYE: We love you! Let's Discuss. You are a Cover star for the Entertainment Publication Volume 7. The last act that walked into this room to share her story, same as you're about to do right now was Lexie Armani. So tell me, how elated are you doing this and what was childhood background like for you? 

ASOJAID: It’s an honor to be here, I’m happy to do this. Thank you for having me. Well, I grew up in a small but loving and amazing family. There’s a saying back then that practice makes perfection and once you’re persistent and consistent in what you do, you’ll definitely achieve your goals.

PELUMI ADEBOYE: What are your happiest memories from your teenage years?

ASOJAID: My happiest memories from my teenage years are the ones with my family. Growing up, learning and doing things in and with love. That taught me immeasurable values such as kindness and optimism. 

PELUMI ADEBOYE: How would you describe the relationship with your parents like?

ASOJAID: Awesome. We’re really good and they’ve been supportive.

PELUMI ADEBOYE: Mm..hmm beautiful! So what would you say were the core values passed unto you by them? 

ASOJAID: I’ve learnt a lot and I’m still learning, I think the significant one is being content which means I can always aspire more but I’ve to be grateful for whatever and wherever I am.

PELUMI ADEBOYE: Asides your parents, whom would you claim played a crucial role into what you have become today? 

ASOJAID: With 100% humility, all thanks to God Almighty. A big shoutout to myself as well cause it’s been a rough journey but we’re here and it can only get better from here.  

PELUMI ADEBOYE: We can't entirely talk about your breakthrough into the industry workout dwelling briefly on your educational background. What course are you studying and as a rising entertainer, navigating through this space, what is your advice to those finding it difficult balancing Entertainment and Education? 

ASOJAID: I’m a student of English Language department in Obafemi Awolowo university and yeah, it’s not been easy killing two birds with one stone but we found balance and we keep pushing regardless. There are apparently tough days but we’ve to scale through. My advice to people who are trying to find balance is just to keep pushing and highlight their priorities. There are not so many people who can do what you can do 

ON YOUR CAREER BACKGROUND:

PELUMI ADEBOYE: Share with me it's Genesis

ASOJAID: Well, I started writing and composing after high school. There were days of rigorous freestyles and composition and that was the etymology. My first official track was Tito in 2020 and it was produced by Thasoundz I think that’s the revelation to my musical genesis. 

PELUMI ADEBOYE: We have the sweetness of your lyrics but we also have the cleverness of alot of your lyrics. Let's take your latest single, "TELL NOBODY" for example... Break it down for me

ASOJAID: My last single was “Tell Nobody” which featured two amazing artistes Ewa & Jboy. It started with a normal vibe in the studio; me listening to a beat, penning things down & in 15 mins, my verse and chorus was ready and the rest is history. 

PELUMI ADEBOYE: Mm..hmm so tell me, what will you describe your sound as?

ASOJAID: Well, my sound is original. As an Afrobeat artiste, I understand the authenticity and dynamism in my lyrics and rhythm is what makes me distinct and that’s what I work on and want people get acquainted with.

PELUMI ADEBOYE: What are the strategies already in place to keep you relevant in our competitive music industry?

ASOJAID: The question is kinda personal lol but life is short and life is long, the industry is a competitive one and I think my distinctiveness is more than enough tool for any competition. No one can be me. With Jah on my side, let’s wait and see how it all unfolds.

PELUMI ADEBOYE: Into your music career so far; which moment would you describe challenging?

ASOJAID: There has been many and I don’t know if I can remember all. It’s the life of an artiste. There are always good & bad days but you have to be strong and firm through it all. 

PELUMI ADEBOYE: ON YOUR LATEST SINGLE; How did it happen and who produced that record?

ASOJAID: “Tell Nobody” is a God’s ordained track I guess. It started with a vibe between Jboy and I. We did the verses & chorus. Ewa blessed it with a verse and asked if I liked it and it was amazingly awesome. Alas, a jam was birthed. The song was produced by Thasoundz. Say Wavey!

PELUMI ADEBOYE: Which Nigerian artistes would you love to work with sooner or later?

ASOJAID: There are lots of amazing artistes  in Nigeria but I’d emphatically love to work with Olamide Badoo & Starboy Wizzy.

PELUMI ADEBOYE: Blogs reposting up-and-coming acts covers on their pages; Do you think it's the best for them, or it's exposing them early enough to the industry hazards, which could make them fade out within a short period, not being a master of their craft? What's your opinion of this?

ASOJAID: Well, to every advantage; there’s likely a disadvantage. As an artiste, I don’t think it’s hazardous to your growth if a blog post you. You are you. Just improve on your craft, be consistent and persistent and the sky is your beginning.

PELUMI ADEBOYE: What other accplishments of yours would you like to pursue in future?

ASOJAID: Music and music only. I’m into lots of things at the moment but in the future, it’s definitely Music.

PELUMI ADEBOYE: Hahahahahahahaha... That is brilliant and we are here for it! Bro, that's all for now, I've got full download of this interview! Everything I needed to know when I told my team, we needed to cook something with you.

ASOJAID: Yeah, this interview is crazy... By the way, if we were to be in the same city again. I'd love to link up and vibe.

PELUMI ADEBOYE: Yeah most definitely.